RSS

From Networked Advocacy

Defining RSS

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is essentially a type of “feed” used to publish frequently-updated content like blogs and news.

RSS users can easily pull content from many sources into one convenient location, ultimately making it easier to find, read and use the latest information. Feeds are received by a personalized page called an “aggregator”. The “aggregator” periodically refreshes the feeds, pulling in any new content.

RSS feeds are also an important way to promote your work. Enabling your website visitors to subscribe to your pages through RSS effectively creates subscribers to your site. New posts and updates will automatically appear on those subscribers’ aggregators.

RSS is also a powerful way for networks and coalitions to consolidate information from many individual sources.

Examples of RSS in action

• Pull RSS feeds from major news outlets on a keyword important to your cause – for example, “Iraq” - effectively establishing a personalized webpage with all of the latest news. Check out the Connect US community RSS page, with feeds from various news outlets and grantee websites.
• Pull RSS feeds of partner organization events, press releases, etc. to your website, or to a common community site. For example IFIwatchnet pulls feeds from several participating organization websites to its homepage.
• Grab website visitors by offering them the chance to subscribe to RSS feeds from your website. The Bank Information Center does this right on their homepage, and offers subscriptions to many slices of content available on the site.
• Create a “Netvibes Universe” to let the public see your aggregator page – share the feeds you regularly read. Check out the Connect US Universe.

Getting started with RSS

Find practical tips and tricks for getting started with RSS on the | Netcentric Campaigns website.